Raleigh Downtown Living Advocates

Category: Art/Music/Entertainment (Page 7 of 8)

Hidden Gems in Mordecai

November 7, 2009 /
Last night my husband and I discovered two hidden gems in our neighborhood, and I wanted to share them with everyone.
 
First, we happened upon the Lodi Project, a new art gallery next to Hope Elementary.  What an unexpected surprise to find this very cool, modern space, full of interesting work and people, complete with a jazz band!  
 
Second, riding our bikes home (already commenting to each other that we didn’t have to live in NYC to feel cool), we heard music coming out of the doors of Marsh Woodwinds, and stuck our heads in. What another amazing hidden gem!
  
We climbed the lighted stairs to a cozy, intimate space with a fabulous jazz band playing and an audience of enthused fans of all ages. The music was superb (sax, drums and stand-up bass), with others joining the band later on.  This is a wonderful venue, like being in someone’s living room, with red velvet curtains, low light, and an alcove filled with food and drink for all who attend.  We are so lucky to have this place in our neighborhood. The caliber and range of musicians who play here (every weekend is different ), the intimate setting, the very reasonable cover charge ($5 or so, depending on the band), the cool vibe, and the fact that we can all walk there, makes this spot my new favorite.
  
We don’t need NYC.  Mordecai rocks!
 
Blog post submitted by Tina Govan.

Are you a Raleigh First Friday Newbie?

November 3, 2009 /

You may have noticed the First Friday flags that go up in front of galleries and shops on the first friday of each month.  These signal that you’re welcome from 6-9PM for good conversation, a wide variety of art, and an opportunity to toast to the growing evening attractions of Downtown.

First Friday started at Artspace many years ago, and until recently most of the action stayed focused there and in the Moore Square Area.  But now First Friday celebrations have spread all over Downtown.  The Raleigh Contemporary Gallery changed its name to The Mahler Gallery and moved to Fayetteville Street, joined recently by the Collectors Gallery, located on City Plaza. From there, the action moves west to the Warehouse District (the “IN” place to be) and on to Glenwood South (the Mecca of dining and late night festivities.) 

A friend of mine suggests, “If you have never been before, my suggestion would be to go to Artspace first.  That place is always jumping and always very friendly on First Fridays.  (And there will be extra celebrations the first Fridays in November and December.)   There might be a problem finding parking near Artspace, though.   But if you don’t mind walking a bit, then it will be easy.”  Another alternative would be to start elsewhere in the city where parking is more plentiful and catch the R Line to the City Market area.

No studios in the Boylan Heights area are open on First Fridays.   However, on Sunday afternoon, December 6th. there will be the annual Boylan Heights Art Walk.  Then, all the studios in the area will be open to the public. 

So go Downtown.  Bring the children.  Have a pizza at Vic’s (go early for that).  Or grab a bite at Glenwood South or the Warehouse District and catch the R Line.  Either way, let me know how you like the excitement.


 

Ice Rink on Charter Square or What Else?

August 25, 2009 /

As posted by the Raleigh Connoisseur on August 21st:  I’m sure as most of you know, the era of little credit is upon us and recently it has affected the start of construction at Charter Square.  The Raleigh City Council has given the developers an extension and ideas are being thrown around for temporary uses for the area on top of the concrete foundation.  From the linked article in the N&O, some ideas are for an ice rink or for artificial turf to be laid across the concrete. Temporary use of the area while we wait for the economy to strengthen is a great idea because we have the flexibility to try new things.  If they work, it can be moved to something more permanent. If not, it will result in only a small loss and good proof that the idea does not work in downtown.  Here are some other inexpensive ideas that could be worth looking into while we have a fluid space before the towers are built.  Click to read more . . .  

It’s Not About the Art

July 27, 2009 /

SpiritWorks Studio, located at 608-A, Glenwood AvenueDonna Belt, the founder of SpiritWorks art studio on Glenwood South swears she can’t draw a straight line without blindfolding herself first.

Whether she’s working with individuals or groups, the goal is the same and it’s not about the art, she claims. So what is it?

An interfaith minister, Donna encourages visitors to her studio to participate in what she calls a left brain vacation. What they find when they shut down their inner critic is the voice of healing, the power of the Using pastels, this artist drew while looking at her subject upside down.present moment, and the just plain fun of being a kid again.

So, why downtown? Donna finds her studio space (in a greenblue clapboard bungalow off Glenwood Avenue)

has just the right feel – kind of like wandering in your grandmother’s attic. Plus it’s only a few doors away from her condo at 510 Glenwood, so it acts as overflow space for doing her own art work.

Having lived many years in cities (from Tokyo, to London and Philly), Donna lovesThis artist drew without looking at her paper. Later she used watercolor pencils to color in the forms she found, like a child finding shapes in the clouds. being part of the diversity in Raleigh’s downtown development. Commenting on all the new construction, she sees herself as being in the middle of an urban stage set.

Tell us about others who are making Raleigh a unique stage for people to gather and explore… 

This is an example of Intuitive Painting, done simply by allowing drum music to come through the paint brush.

 

Opening Her Downtown Studio Has Been a Blessing for Local Artist

July 22, 2009 /

Elise Okrend with fellow artist Nora Philips at her studioStarting her own business, MixedBlessing, has become a full blessing for Elise Okrend and her family.

Elise’s career started in the corporate world of advertising and design in NYC, but her journey of creativity along with her desire for personal flexibility and freedom led her to open a studio in downtown Raleigh. Here Elise creates and displays her original pastel paintings.

Moving to Raleigh was a choice Elise made with her husband as a way to spend more time with their family while enjoying a slower paced lifestyle. But what made it work was an idea that allowed her to start her own business so that she could“Floating”, original pastel by Elise Okrend work from home. Elise says, the idea to start her own greeting card business, MixedBlessing, came to her when she doodled a carddesign that incorporated a Christmas Tree and a Star of David for an interfaith couple.

Elise was first introduced to the downtown arts community through First Fridays, where she says, “I loved the the variety of art and music that would feed the evening”. Her studio is located at the Carter Building in the Glenwood South District, a popular First Friday destination, featuring a collection of studios with 60+ working artists.

Like other artists, Elise was drawn to the downtown area. She says, “Winter Morning”, original pastel by Elise Okrend“I like the diversity in the community and the activities the downtown area offers.” “As artists, we tend to work alone, and knowing that there are other artists around to share your work and experiences is invaluable”.

Take advantage of First Fridays to stop in and visit with Elise and other downtown artists, who are helping to foster our city’s sense of community.

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